<a href="http://www.atelierdelapasserelle.fr/references.php#Accordion15Content" target="_blank">Green Cascade</a> is a 100-unit housing complex in Lyon's 3rd arrondissement that is decidedly different than most urban blocks. Designed by <a href="http://www.atelierdelapasserelle.fr/" target="_blank">Atelier de la Passerelle</a>, the project transformed an old and defunct factory into a community that is open and airy with plenty of garden space. Gardens are integrated into the overall plan, and the open spaces and courtyards ensure that all the apartments get lots of sunshine.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

<a href="http://www.atelierdelapasserelle.fr/references.php#Accordion15Content" target="_blank">Green Cascade</a> completely rehabilitated the polluted site of the Keller-Dorian factory, which made small metal parts for engraving and textile printing.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

Now the area features 100 apartments spread throughout five buildings, with four on the street and one smaller one located on the interior.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

Most urban blocks are designed like fortresses, with buildings facing the street all the way around and private courtyards inside.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

<a href="http://www.atelierdelapasserelle.fr/" target="_blank">Atelier de la Passerelle's</a> plan provides more space for circulation and gardening, which provides residences with more access to views and daylight.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

All of the windows are shaded to keep the interiors cool, and increased insulation minimizes energy loss as well as noise between apartments.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

Rain screening with timber slats protect the upper penthouses and the interior building from the elements.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

All apartments have large outdoor balconies and flexible interior living spaces that can be customized.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

The garden and courtyards were designed by <a href="http://www.atelierannegardoni.fr/" target="_blank">Atelier Anne Gardoni</a> to reclaim rainwater while providing peaceful places to enjoy nature.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

The roofs of all the buildings are planted with sedum.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

Elisabeth Berthon and Chloé Lecoup, felt artists from Morse Felt Studio, created four works that are placed in the buildings’ entrance halls.

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Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

Made with felt panels mounted on frames of different sizes, they are all variations on the same theme. They integrate perfectly into the scheme with their colour, softness and plant material, in colored harmony with the floors, walls and letter-boxes.

Green Cascade Housing-Atelier de la Passerelle

Green Cascade is a 100-unit housing complex in Lyon's 3rd arrondissement that is decidedly different than most urban blocks. Designed by Atelier de la Passerelle, the project transformed an old and defunct factory into a community that is open and airy with plenty of garden space. Gardens are integrated into the overall plan, and the open spaces and courtyards ensure that all the apartments get lots of sunshine.